The Patriots might have Rob Gronkowski back before the playoffs after all. A source familiar with Gronkowski's condition has told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport "don't be surprised" if the tight end plays Sunday against the Dolphins. Gronkowski hasn't played since Week 11 due to a fractured forearm, but he has put in a couple weeks of limited practice. However, the Patriots have kept his status largely under wraps.

Fantasy Analysis:

This jibes with a report from Tom Curran of CSN New England who said Gronk is expected to play a limited role in Week 17. In my mind, this is a tough call for some fantasy owners. Gronkowski is clearly the best tight end out there and given the lack of supreme talent at that position right now, you probably don't have another strong option on your team. However, we don't know how limited Gronkowski will be even if he does play. Looking at the FFToolbox tight end rankings, I think if you have anyone in the top six or seven, you will probably be fine leaving Gronkowski out. But lower than that, I think you have to give some serious thought to playing him. He is so dominant, he can give you what you need in just a quarter of action. We will certainly have more on this situation Sunday morning.